Report: Raiders inquire about trading for Eagles QB McNabb

Rich Gannon was 33 when the Raiders signed him as an unrestricted free agent after a four-year run with the Kansas City Chiefs ended in 1999.

It didn’t take long for Gannon to assert himself as the Raiders unquestioned starting quarterback and make people forget about Jeff George, Donald Hollas and Wade Wilson.
Gannon earned Pro Bowl honors four straight seasons and was the league MVP for the 2002 season.

Perhaps, then, it makes sense to learn of the Raiders of approaching the Philadelphia Eagles about a trade for quarterback Donovan McNabb.

Eagles coach Andy Reid said at the NFL owners meeting in Orlando, Fla., earlier this week that he has been contacted by teams about all three of his quarterbacks, including Kevin Kolb and Michael Vick.

“We’ll go back and look through those [talks] and think through them a little bit once we’re away from this situation here,” Reid said. “[There is] nothing that, right now, that I can jump up and down about. But there has been some interest. … I’m listening to things out there. I’m not saying I’m doing anything. I’m just keeping my ears open, which we do on every player. This is no different.”

That has helped fuel the speculation, which is running rampant about now.

The Philadelphia Inquirer cited a league source in reporting that the St. Louis Rams are offering the Eagles a second-round draft pick (No. 33 overall) and free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe for McNabb.

A Rams source told NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora that there is nothing to that report. Later, Rams general manager Billy Devaney told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that the Inquirer report is “utterly ridiculous” and that he hasn’t spoken with the Eagles about any of his players.

Make of it what you will. The move makes sense from the Raiders standpoint if coach Tom Cable and managing general partner Al Davis aren’t sold upon JaMarcus Russell, Bruce Gradkowski or Charlie Frye as the starter for next season.

Cable certainly isn’t sold upon any of the three as the unquestioned starter, saying it’s a full, wide-open competition come training camp. Trading for McNabb could change that in an instant.

The thinking also could go along the lines of bringing in McNabb so that he can give the Raiders the best chance of succeeding this year and asking him to help develop Russell.
It’s worth noting that McNabb had flattering things to say about Russell a few days before the Eagles played the Raiders at the Coliseum last season and went out of his way after the game to speak with Russell.

“Not all the negative aspects of what’s been going on should fall on JaMarcus because it’s a team game,” McNabb said in a conference call with Raiders beat writers four days before the Raiders beat McNabb and the Eagles.

McNabb said that Russell’s progress has been retarded by the high turnover in coaches, offensive coordinators, play-callers and players during his first three seasons.
It’s a tough situation for him,” McNabb said in the conference call. “I’m sure that he’s going to do what he has to do in order to pull himself out of it, and just make sure the guys understand that he’s putting in the effort as well.”

Cable said Tuesday at the owners meeting that Russell is putting in the required effort and that things are going as planned. Maybe so, but that’s coming from the same coach who pulled Russell from games twice last season and, ultimately, benched him for the final seven games.

The Raiders aren’t allowed to comment on a player under contract to another team, so there’s nothing from their camp about the McNabb-to-the-Raiders stories. Two Raiders employees said that they were unaware of the Raiders contacting the Eagles about McNabb.

McNabb was the second pick of the 1999 NFL draft by the Eagles. He has amassed 32,873 yards and 216 touchdowns passing, with only 100 interceptions. The Eagles have reached the playoffs eight times and the Super Bowl once on his watch.

The reports of McNabb being shopped by the Eagles prompted him to respond on his blog on yardbarker.com.

“I was asked to respond to statements made at the NFL owners meetings that the Eagles would entertain offers to trade any of their three QBs,” McNabb said. “Here is my response: My position hasn’t changed. I’ve said all along that I would like to win a Super Bowl and finish my career in Philadelphia.

“I understand the situation well and just hope whichever direction the Eagles decide to go in, they do it quickly. I think that would be best for me, Kevin, Michael, the Eagles, and any other teams involved. No matter what happens, I’ve already begun preparing to have an outstanding season in 2010.”

Last season, McNabb passed for 3,553 yards and 22 touchdowns. He completed 60.3 percent of his passes, with 10 interceptions.

By comparison, Russell, Gradkowski and Frye passed for 2,875 yards and 10 touchdowns. The trio completed 52.8 percent of their passes, with 18 interceptions.

Any team trading for McNabb would inherit his contract, which expires after next season. He also is due a $6.2 million roster bonus in May. In other words, it’s likely that the Raiders or another team that trades for him first would attempt to work out a long-term contract.

Russell’s contract calls for him to earn $9.45 million in 2010. Of that figure, $3 million is guaranteed whether he is on the opening-day roster or not.

Steve Corkran

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i say no to a huff trade, huff played balls out last season. with our the safety looks, any of the 3 can blitz, plus with our hybrid lb/de guys, if we can pick up a nice mlb and a big fat NT, this defense has the potential to be very special. as long as they can eliminate the big plays, and get a mild contribution from the offense

RaiderRockstar Says:
March 25th, 2010 at 9:35 am
how do you know his job is safe for 2010?

***

he told David White last month

FS Branch
SS Mitchell
= still a huge gamble

I’m hesistant to move players around. I remember Tyler Brayton played here 4 seasons and played a different position each year. DE, OLB, DE & DT. Then he played the past 2 years as DE for the Panthers and just got a new 3 year contract to remain starting DE there.

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So what? Brayton still sucks.

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remember having RT Kwame Harris play LT in the zbs? flop

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True, but a gamble worht taking. It was felt a return to the ZBS Kwame was drafted for by SF and run successfully by him there would help. It did not. The problem was Kwame’s head, not the scheme.

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remember zone corner CB DeAngelo Hall play man2man corner? flop

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He did not play man. he played off…15 yards off. Horrible horrible…thank you Kiffin.
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how about power blocking center failure Samson Satele in the zbs? flop

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Not a costly move to aquire him and yes, he’s been a disapointment with reads and lack of field vision. Hope we replace him cuz he’s not good but has played ZBS before so again, not a huge leap to assume he could. He needs more time to see if he can learn the position. Little slow me thinks to translate it to game time.
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how about UT penetrator-type Warren at NT next to Kelly? flop

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Again, another calculated risk. Warren did better in Oakland than he had since early Cleveland. Dinged alot and part of a terrible anti run team so yeah, could do better.

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how about Sapp as 3-4 DE? flop

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The whole idea was a flop not just Sapp’s inability to translate. Wrong personnel at the time, but Sapp had some production here.

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how about moving Khalif Barnes to RT or guard? flop

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Wouldn’t know that. He hasn’t done it yet.

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how about RB Gary Russell at FB or RB/TE/WR Marcel Reece at FB or even KR? flop

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G.Russell was a hail Mary stop gap. Lorenzo forced to retire last minute, Oren couldn’t go, Lawton’s practice squad at best. Same with inexperienced Marcel who caught maybe ONE pass all year on like 5 total plays.

Barnes wasn’t hurt the entire year. We was back by Week 2 and he couldn’t beat out any of the O-Line scrubs we had last season

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

So why did Cable say Barnes is the current starter at RT if he performed so badly when healthy last year. I just disagree, sorry.

RaiderRockstar

why are a bunch of you guys defending all these bozo moves by Davis & the coaching staff in recent memory?

for every good transition (Gallery to guard) there is 10 bad ones …

RaiderRockstar

BSJ & N21: the point is, you said that Barnes never played RT last year

the fact is, he did. and he was worse than Cornell Green & Erik Pears

probably because he never played RT in his life before last season and he signed with Oakland under the impression he was going to compete with Mario Henderson for the LT job last season

new englandraider

rockstar

you are 100% correct about barnes. he did play rt and he played it poorly. look at the 1st play from scrimmage against the jets. how do you come out on the very first play, and not get a fingernail on the DE coming up field?

Nnamdi21

RaiderRockstar Says:
March 25th, 2010 at 9:55 am
BSJ: Cornell Green got hurt last year and so did Robert Gallery (as you know)

Barnes got 2 starts at RT and failed, so Cable threw Erik Pears in there for the next 2 starts before Cornell Green was back healthy.

Barnes & Pears also spent time at LG to help fill the void left by Gallery. both flopped there so Satele, Morris & even Langston Walker (the most impressive) got a chance to play LG …

Barnes wasn’t hurt the entire year. We was back by Week 2 and he couldn’t beat out any of the O-Line scrubs we had last season

====================

A few games at a position you’ve never or rarely played hardly makes you a flop in the NFL.

Barens caught flak for not jumping at the chance to play RT and insisting he was an LT.

Who knows, if nothing changes in the draft and Henderson struggles, we could “flop” him back over to LT…

RaiderRockstar

So why did Cable say Barnes is the current starter at RT if he performed so badly when healthy last year. I just disagree, sorry.

***

yeah, because the wife beating buffoon who everybody wants fired and who was recently stripped of his play calling duties is such a great talent evaluator. right ???

Cable said Barnes & Pears would compete for the RT job and that we’re looking to add another tackle. Of course one of these scrubs would start if the season began today because there isn’t anybody else on the roster (yet)!

You assume leaving them in their previous position would have been successful? Sometimes the player flops, regardless of position (i.e. Sapp, Warren). Other times the player just needs to develop (i.e. Huff).

Nnamdi21

RaiderRockstar Says:
March 25th, 2010 at 10:01 am
BSJ & N21: the point is, you said that Barnes never played RT last year

the fact is, he did. and he was worse than Cornell Green & Erik Pears

probably because he never played RT in his life before last season and he signed with Oakland under the impression he was going to compete with Mario Henderson for the LT job last season
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Semantics to try and “Win” your point. Barnes ISN’T a flop at RT because of a few plays at at position he’s not properly trained for.

“I said he hasn’t done it yet” meaning proven it at RT either way. Not that he “never” played there.

He was mistaken and should be thankful he’s got a job. No one lese jumped at him did they and the “pass happy” NFL is desperate for LEFT tackles like Barnes.

He better get happy himself, shut up and play well at RT, RG, LT or whereever along OUR line!

Barnes is a horrible LT. Hoping he can adjust to RT is basically placing our entire season in jeopardy. Only a joke fukstick like Cable would do such a thing.

new englandraider

BSJ
why would you want to cut condo? many teams have issues with snaps. this guy has been 100% perfect.

DMAC

I rather have Barnes start at RT, than Luke start at FB.

RaiderRockstar

NE: yeah man. I’m not saying Barnes will never be a solid LT or RT in Oakland. Just that he’s done nothing on the field to suggest that he should be the unquestioned starter. Henderson struggled last year. Pears was awful, except when we used him as an emergency blocking TE. This team needs another tackle. a good one!

Nnamdi21

The point is I hope we draft O line.

Fix the O line please.

jhill

The ideal scenario is to have Anthony Davis or Trent Willimas fall to us at 8. Even Bulaga.

Last year was Hendersons “audition” at LT and he failed miserably. The year before the talk was he got a lot of help with the TE staying in to block or the RB helping out. He also got praised for holding some pretty decent pass rushers in check.

Last year was a complete face plant. Why should he get another year? At whose expense? Move him to RT, Barnes to RG, and draft a friggin LT already!

jhill Says:
March 25th, 2010 at 10:12 am
The ideal scenario is to have Anthony Davis or Trent Willimas fall to us at 8. Even Bulaga.

Last year was Hendersons “audition” at LT and he failed miserably. The year before the talk was he got a lot of help with the TE staying in to block or the RB helping out. He also got praised for holding some pretty decent pass rushers in check.

Last year was a complete face plant. Why should he get another year? At whose expense? Move him to RT, Barnes to RG, and draft a friggin LT already!
++++++++++++++++

fukin’ A!

Nnamdi21

RaiderRockstar Says:
March 25th, 2010 at 10:12 am
BSJ & N21:

fair enough.

I’ll go with “the jury is still out” regarding Barnes at RT

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Fingers crossed man!

new englandraider

rockstar
yep. pears was awful as well, except in short running situations as you stated when he lined up outside one of the tackles as extra blocker/TE. you’re right on henderson too. that is the point i was trying to make last week when i stated no qb would have great success behind these guys. gallery was our best lineman, and hardly played. that is sad. i hoping that orakpo got into henderson’s head temporarily. he did play well in the 08season. last year, 10 sacks is just too many. any qb behind these guys, is going to have it in thei heads, that these guys suck.

this does mesh with Cable’s “best 5 guys” philosophy. This wouldn’t be my first choice, but it wouldn’t surprise me

Nnamdi21

Dakota Says:
March 25th, 2010 at 10:14 am
jhill Says:
March 25th, 2010 at 10:12 am
The ideal scenario is to have Anthony Davis or Trent Willimas fall to us at 8. Even Bulaga.

Last year was Hendersons “audition” at LT and he failed miserably. The year before the talk was he got a lot of help with the TE staying in to block or the RB helping out. He also got praised for holding some pretty decent pass rushers in check.

Last year was a complete face plant. Why should he get another year? At whose expense? Move him to RT, Barnes to RG, and draft a friggin LT already!
++++++++++++++++

fukin’ A!

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Henderson looked good early on but faded as the year went on and underpowered inexperienced Chris Morris got the start beside him.

Henderson’s better with Gallery in his ear.

Nnamdi21

Bo Schembechler Jackson Says:
March 25th, 2010 at 10:14 am
new englandraider Says:
March 25th, 2010 at 10:09 am
BSJ
why would you want to cut condo? many teams have issues with snaps. this guy has been 100% perfect.

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Was sarcasm. However, he IS overpaid. I still remain a bit confused as to why one of our true centers can’t perform Condo’s role, ala Adam Treu. Morris and Satele are supposed to be athletic centers…

And Henderson is more of a flop than Barnes so far. Barnes is still a flop-in-waiting.

====================

You mean Adam Teu who thru a hissy fit when he was cut for not wanting to work out with the “real” centers?

Treu was NEVER a starting caliber center / LS.

LS is under rated and sorely missed when teams don’t have it. STILL thats a lot to pay for a special teamer.

Henderson’s agent is Drew Rosenhaus right? I have a feeling he will not be a long-term member of the Raiders.

new englandraider

BSJ

ok. understand. can you imagine satele with his head bobbing trying to snap on an important FG or a punt from the endzone.
i also happen to think that cooper carlisle was equally as bad as green and pears. there were a great many 3 and 2 yards or less, in which carlise got tossed like a cookie into the backfield almost every time they ran his way. he must go as well

Guys, the RT position is not just for guys who can’t cut it at LT. You need to be a very solid run blocker, which was Green’s best contribution. Henderson is generally a poor run blocker, mediocre at best when Gallery is next to him.

Putting Mario at RT is not smart.

jhill

What would you like to see RRS?

I wouldn’t mind also upgrading Satele, but I can’t draft Pouncey in rd 2 because I need a DT or McNabb.

You mean Adam Teu who thru a hissy fit when he was cut for not wanting to work out with the “real” centers?

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I did not hear that. Treu was our second string center as well as long snapper, which opened a roster spot. I like the concept.

new englandraider

also with condo after a punt, he is normally around the ball rather quickly. which is sad when you have gunners out there. this guy might be one of the few who actually do their job well. in my opinion this guys is dead on accurate on his snaps. once in a while watching other games, you’ll see a slightly high snap on a punt in which the punter has to jump. or on an FGA which throws the timing off. this guy puts the ball on the money, in the same spot all the time.

I don’t think ANY of our o-linemen should feel safe…Henderson struggled, Gallery has a bad back, Satele is a weak ass punk, Cooper’s games has nosedived since 07, and Barnes/Pears at RT, give me a break.

How can we expect our QB, even Russell, to succeed behind a line like that? And our RBs would be fine…if they had a decent o-line.

The fukin o-line should have been worked on last year with a new C and T in the draft, but no, we had to add a third Safety and a WR that can’t fukin catch.

Damn it, there goes my blood pressure again.

DMAC

Why not resign Walker and give him a shot to win the RT postion???

new englandraider

397
dakota that post is dead on. our oline played poorly the majority of the season. one game (pittsburgh) they played extremely well, and we saw the results. as i said, im all for whichever qb will lead us best, but can any of them have any reasonable success (wins) with these guys?

HairyBush

I love Jerry’s work, but Steve Corkans last 2 articles have been pretty thorough and on time. Step it up Jerry!